SONATIDE MARINE, LTD.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) today authorized the construction of two additional National Security Multi-Mission Vessels (NSMV), which will replace aging training vessels at Maine Maritime Academy in Castine, Maine, and Texas A&M Maritime Academy in Galveston, Texas. MARAD previously authorized the construction of the first two NSMVs, destined for SUNY Maritime College in Bronx, N.Y., and Massachusetts Maritime Academy, in Bourne, Mass., on April 8, 2020.“The NSMV is part of a strategy to bolster maritime education, revitalize U.S. shipbuilding, and provide a much-needed shot in the arm to the U.S.

An ABS-classed Suezmax tanker ordered by Avin International LTD, the first vessel of a potential order of three vessels, is to be the first ammonia-fuel ready vessel in the world.The landmark 274-meter-long vessel is now under construction at China's New Times Shipbuilding Co., Ltd (NTS), with options for two further vessels. Currently conventionally fueled, the vessel complies with the ABS Ammonia Ready Level 1 requirements, indicating it is designed to be converted to run on ammonia in the future. All the ships in the project will also meet ABS LNG Fuel Ready Level 1 requirements.

U.K.-based shipping company Scotline Marine Holdings said it has taken delivery of Scot Ranger, the third vessel in a newbuild series from Dutch shipbuilder Royal Bodewes.This ship is a close sister to the previous two, Scot Carrier and Scot Explorer, but with one key difference. Scot Ranger has ice class 1A (Finnish and Swedish Ice Class Regulations 2010), meaning that the ship can continue to sail from the Baltic during the winter months.Scot Ranger was launched on November 6, and final mechanical works, outfitting, testing and sea trials were performed during the following the weeks.The newbuild is the second Scot Ranger to serve in the Scotline fleet.

Testing, inspection and certification body Bureau Veritas (BV) said it has completed the proof of concept project for underwater remote surveys using the Seasam remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV technology eco-system from Notilo Plus on a Corsica Linea car ferry Mediterranée.  Efficient underwater inspection of shipping vessels is important for the industry as a substitute for docking surveys at agreed intervals or to inspect hull damage. BV has been evaluating opportunities to provide effective remote inspection services.

Boatbuilder Brix Marine (formerly Armstrong Marine USA) has been contracted by aerospace and defense technology company, Northrop Grumman, to build a catamaran survey-research vessel, slated for fall 2021 completion.The 44- by 16-foot vessel is Brix’s third IPS-drive catamaran; the first two were 4216-CTC models, both delivered in 2019, to UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography (R/V Bob and Betty Beyster) and Orca Maritime, Inc. (R/V Benthic Cat), respectively.Northrop Grumman said they will utilize the vessel for testing commercial navigation systems, undersea and aviation programs